Study introduces new laser device for treating knee osteoarthritis that may delay or replace the need for joint replacement surgery.
Wausau, WI (December 18, 2025) – A new minimally invasive laser was found to be safe and effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. It uses spatial-temporal modulated laser radiation within a defined therapeutic window, ensuring tissue repair without thermal damage.
The study, led by Dr. Yulia Alexandrovskaya, is titled, “Therapeutic Window of Laser Dosimetry for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis.” The basic science article, published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (LSM), the official journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc. (ASLMS), was selected as the December 2025 Editor’s Choice.
This study presents a minimally invasive, non-destructive laser technique developed for the treatment of degenerative cartilage defects and knee pain relief, offering an alternative to traditional surgical treatment for osteoarthritis in the early and mid-stages. The method is based on controlled thermomechanical action induced by modulated infrared laser radiation.
“Towards enhancing quality of life, our innovative laser approach to minimally invasive treatment of knee osteoarthritis is designed to provide long-term pain relief and reduce the need for knee replacement surgery,” Alexandrovskaya said.
The study results allowed the authors to determine the therapeutic window for safe and effective treatment. An optimal power range of laser parameters ensures tissue regeneration and restoration without overheating or structural damage and is applicable to a variety of defect conditions and radiation delivery settings. These results support the feasibility of conducting clinical trials using the new 1470 nm laser in combination with arthroscopy to restore degenerative cartilage and reduce knee pain, potentially delaying or avoiding joint replacement surgery.
Dr. Yulia Alexandrovskaya is a Senior Researcher at Terra Quantum AG. She earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry and High-Energy Chemistry from Lomonosov Moscow State University in 2015. Her research interests include light–matter interaction, biophotonics, and medical laser technologies. Currently, her work focuses on developing laser-based therapies for human diseases, such as cartilage osteoarthritis and vascular atherosclerosis.
Editor’s Choice is an exclusive article published in LSM, the official journal of ASLMS. View the complete manuscript.